There have been several claims that
coconut oil reverses the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, or at least
prevents symptoms from progressing. Is this true and proven per research? Or,
does this claim provide false hope?

Why Is Coconut Oil Thought of as a Possible
Treatment?

The interest in
coconut oil as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease increased in the
last few years when a physician from Florida, Dr. Mary Newport,
used it to treat her husband’s dementia. Before she began the treatment,
she had her husband try the clock-drawing test, and he performed very
poorly. She began giving her husband coconut oil, and two weeks later, she
noted dramatic improvement in his clock-drawing test. A few weeks later, after
continued coconut oil use, he again improved significantly in his ability to
draw the clock as well as his verbal expression, physical ability, and memory.
He told his wife, “I’m back.”

She has written about
his improvement and has also been interviewed, and attributes his improvement
to the coconut oil. The 700 Club and several other media outlets produced
lengthy segments on this doctor’s experience with her husband.

If an online search is
conducted, you’ll find several websites outlining the story above. There’s also
a blog that the physician writes that shares her experiences with coconut oil
and her husband’s response to it. Additionally, there are several websites that
tout the benefits of coconut oil, citing personal experience and anecdotes to
back up those claims.

There also has been research that
demonstrated that coconut oil tends to increase the “good” (HDL) cholesterol,
rather than the “bad” (LDL)cholesterol. This addresses a concern that some have raised, fearing that coconut oil will raise cholesterol to an unhealthy level.

The anecdotal information of this
physician's experience sounds exciting and makes many want to go out and buy
coconut oil, give it to their loved ones who are struggling with Alzheimer’s,
and take some of it themselves in case it works effectively to prevent
Alzheimer’s.

Unfortunately, what’s
missing is evidence of scientific research to test the actual benefit of
coconut oil. No research has been conducted to determine if coconut oil
clearly and consistently does indeed reverse symptoms of Alzheimer’s and/or
prevent them from worsening.

Has Scientific Research Been Conducted?

What we’re looking for here is called a double-blind study, where neither the
researchers nor the participants know who is receiving the coconut oil and who
is getting the placebo (the fake medicine). Otherwise, the results could be
skewed since those expecting results, such as changes or improvements, might
“notice” them just because they’re hoping for them. If no one directly involved
knows who is receiving the coconut oil, it will be more likely that any
benefits on the cognitive tests (such as the clock-drawing test or
the MMSE) are a result of coconut oil.

What Can We Conclude About Coconut Oil?

On the one hand, there are some
exciting stories about the benefits of coconut oil. It’s a natural substance
and seems to have the potential for a significant benefit. There have been some
great reports, and it’s possible that it really may be effective and helpful.

On the other hand, the
medical community can't wholeheartedly recommend an as-of-yet unproven
substance for which there is not scientific research to support the use. The
possibility certainly exists, but it must be legitimately tested to prevent
people from spending time and money on something that doesn’t provide the
hoped-for benefit.

What’s the Harm in Trying Coconut Oil?

Is there any potential harm?
Unfortunately, without research to answer this question, we can't be sure.
Although coconut oil is a natural substance, it's possible that self-treating
Alzheimer's symptoms with coconut oil instead of standard care could even be
harmful. Like other treatments, coconut oil should be tested to observe for any
side effects or health problems related to it, as well as to determine its
effectiveness.

As is the case with
any new treatment routine, you should ask your physician before adding coconut
oil to you or your loved one's routine.

A Call for Research

Unfortunately, a clinical
study that was going to be conducted at the University of South
Florida Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute on coconut oil and Alzheimer's
disease has been terminated due to.funding difficulties and too low of an
enrollment in the study.

A Word from Verywell

While anecdotal evidence sounds strong,
coconut oil has not yet been proven through research to be effective for
dementia. However, several other non-drug approaches to treat
dementia and improve quality of life have been identified and do have some
research to support their use. Our hope is that research will be conducted to
provide us with guidance on the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of coconut oil
for those living with dementia.

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